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4.48 AVERAGE
4.48 AVERAGE
I have conflicted feelings about J.K.Rowling these days, and I am sure this changes my reaction to her writing. One thing is that this book needed a sterner editor. It is far too long, too flaccid for a thriller. But what I really notice is her descriptions of characters is unnecessarily unkind, manipulating an unjustified revulsion in the reader. The plot is ok, if over the top in terms of the conspiracies and how far they go, as well as the sadism of bad guys.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I guess there is going to be another book then…..
A really enthralling read, even at almost 1000 pages.
Two complaints:
1. The book gets really heavy to hold
2. How many books will it take to get the ending we all want?
A really enthralling read, even at almost 1000 pages.
Two complaints:
1. The book gets really heavy to hold
2. How many books will it take to get the ending we all want?
I loved this, as always. Now that I’m done (nine hundred pages!) I have a few logistical issues with the cult (tens of thousands of members? How could that many people commit after the weeklong retreat and just stay there forever? Do the famous people do the retreat? How come the actress doesn’t have to live there permanently?) but I’ll chalk it up to my cult obsession and let it slide. I guess I like smaller cults. And while I wanted it to be even more sinister, it was pretty dang dark. Four stars, highly recommend. Can’t wait for the next one!!! #engelbrechtreads2023 #engelbrechtreads
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Look. I love this series. Clearly I do, because this is the 7th book. This is also my favorite of the series.
SPOLIER SPOILER SPOILER
I. Am. Over. The. Will. They. Won't. They. Story. Line. Over it. Humans do not live like this. I mean, thank fuck strike FINALLY fucking said something at the very end, but now we've got to wait for a whole other book??? I honestly don't even want to read the next book because of this shit. Either piss or get off the pot because I AM DONE.
And the body shaming in this book. The constant pointing out of how chunky or how many rolls or how tight the clothes are? Just gtfo with that nonsense. That's not something any of these characters have done before this book.
The slight homophobic phrases of "his hair was long like a dandy"? Not in line with the characters.
The last book was clearly JKR/RG venting their spleen over internet trolls. Now we are venting our spleen over body image. If it was in line with the characters, fine, I guess but it's not. Just let me have my fucking detective series without that crap.
Thank you for allowing me the space to vent. These books are incredibly well written, they are some of my all time favorite books. But my God, let's move forward or move on.
SPOLIER SPOILER SPOILER
I. Am. Over. The. Will. They. Won't. They. Story. Line. Over it. Humans do not live like this. I mean, thank fuck strike FINALLY fucking said something at the very end, but now we've got to wait for a whole other book??? I honestly don't even want to read the next book because of this shit. Either piss or get off the pot because I AM DONE.
And the body shaming in this book. The constant pointing out of how chunky or how many rolls or how tight the clothes are? Just gtfo with that nonsense. That's not something any of these characters have done before this book.
The slight homophobic phrases of "his hair was long like a dandy"? Not in line with the characters.
The last book was clearly JKR/RG venting their spleen over internet trolls. Now we are venting our spleen over body image. If it was in line with the characters, fine, I guess but it's not. Just let me have my fucking detective series without that crap.
Thank you for allowing me the space to vent. These books are incredibly well written, they are some of my all time favorite books. But my God, let's move forward or move on.
Feeling privileged to live in the same time as JKR. This one was just perfect. She put her world building skills to excellent use in crafting the church, its mythology and traditions. The plot points were woven with such dexterity. Thank you for another magnificent journey.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy
Minor: Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Stalking